Did you know your pocket change might actually be worth much more than that? While many coins are simply worth the amount stamped on them, there are a select few worth thousands-or even millions-based on rarity, historical value, or minting errors. You’re probably hiding one of these treasures without knowing it. Those coins can be an instant millionaire for an accidental wrong metal production or a rare minting mistake. Eight coins are extraordinary and might be sitting in your spare change, waiting to be discovered.
1. Copper Penny (1943)
Value: Up to $1.7 Million
One penny often referred to as the 1943 copper penny, is probably among the most well-known coins of all time. The U.S. Mint made the conversion from copper to steel for pennies during the Second World War in order to conserve as much metal as possible for the war effort. But, there were a few copper pennies that happened to be minted accidently in 1943, making these pennies the rarest and most valuable coins in all of American history. These pennies were exceptionally impossible to find and sold up to $1.7 million depending on the condition. The rarity of these coins causes high demand, which normally results in many collectors pursuing them. Next time you find a 1943 penny, examine it more closely – it could be worth quite a bit.
2. Liberty Head Nickel (1913)
Value: Over $3 Million
One of the most historic coins of the U.S. is the Liberty Head Nickel. In 1913, a small quantity of these nickels were secretly produced-thus far, only five are known to exist. These amazing nickels were never minted, but all found themselves in the possession of collectors, making it one of the most prized coins. In 2018, one of these sold for an incredible $4.5 million, which set a new record. You don’t know what destiny holds, so if you encounter one of these 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, it might make you a millionaire, so be cautious when you look after old coins.
3. Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (1794)
Value: Up to $10 Million
But really rare coins are more than coins: you can call them pieces of history made by man. Mintered in 1794, it is believed that the coin is one of the first among the newly minted coins struck out at the U.S. Mint. They put only approximately 1,800 coins in circulation, making the coin extremely rare and valuable in terms of history. The perfect condition of such a coin was sold for around $10 million in the year 2013. Hold that coin, and you own a true treasure of the nation that would make you successful.
4. Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny (1955)
Value: Around $200,000
This fascinating penny was found minting-poorly, so it’s been referred to an example of a minting error, the 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny, wherein misalignment during striking caused the words “Liberty” and “1955” to be struck twice rather than just once. Therefore, such pennies could be really seen as distinctive in their odd but gallant appearance, and just that has made them highly coveted by collectors. A penny with error and so pristine in appearance might bring at auction even as much as $200,000. When you find a 1955 penny with a doubled image, it might very well be your “ticket to fortune.”
5. Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf (2004)
Value: Up to $1,000
The U.S. Mint released the state quarter for Wisconsin which came without a corn stalk bearing a single leaf, in 2004. Though, some coins were accidentally created with an extra leaf, giving rise to variations of this. The coin is called the “Extra Leaf” quarter, and depending on the condition may be worth up to $1,000. Although it does not outrank the other quarters on this list, it might still remind you that you don’t have to get an old coin to discover hidden cash value in something that looks modern. So keep your eyes peeled for these extra leaves while letting these coins settle down.
6. Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel (1937-D)
Value: Over $200,000
1951-d three-legged buffalo nickel is undoubtedly the most famous error coin in history. A minute error in coinage really left considerable leg of one buffalo out of that design, which interpreted as buffalo with only three legs. Therewith, all such treasures of misstruck coins end up being too valuable, where in auction prices tend to soar beyond $200,000. Although this error was quickly amended, other than from being quite rare, surviving coins are viewed as quaint and have fascinating stories associated with them. Find a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, and you might want to take it to the expert for a closer examination.
7. Double Die Lincoln Penny (1969-S)
Value: Up to $150,000
Another impeccable error coin is the 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny. The strike doubles on the date and the word “Liberty” on the obverse, giving a bizarre result. This unique feature makes the 1969-S Double Die Penny one of the favorite coins for collectors. Should you find one, it could sell anywhere up to $150,000 in value, depending on the specimen. Always look at the details on your pennies; they may hide a rare and valuable error.
8. Mercury Dime (1942/1)
Value: Up to $500,000
1942/1 Mercury Dime is another error coin with a high price tag. The front side of the dimes strikes the year “1942” with a “1” overstruck by a “2.” This creates a huge error that makes this coin unique. With this small error being one of the rarest and a small number minted, the 1942/1 Mercury Dime is among the most valuable dimes in existence. In good condition, this coin may be valued at $500,000.&&1; if you get it in your change, give it a look.
Final Thoughts
Some of them have special characteristics, others have mistakes, whereas some are very old or for some other reason very few are left. Most coins are worth nothing more than their face value, but, there are a few which are worth far more. If you happen to find one of those rare coins, a little fortune could be kept there. Therefore, you should truly inspect those coins when you next rummage through your change jar or discover loose coins in your pockets. Then take a good look at them; you never know when you might stumble upon something worth thousands or even millions.
FAQs
Q1: How can I identify a rare coin?
Look around for coins having minting errors or odd designs from rare-producing years.
Q2: Where can I sell rare coins?
Sell rare coins through auction, personally to specialist coin collectors or via trusted coin dealers.
Q3: Are state quarters worth collecting?
Yes, state quarters with errors, as in the case of the “Extra Leaf” Wisconsin quarter, can also be worth good amounts to collectors.
Q4: How do I check a coin’s value?
One may use online coin value guides or contact a professional appraiser to estimate a coin’s value accurately.